What to expect
An online fireside chat hosted by DC Startup Founder 101 and sponsored by Founder Institute DC on how AI startups can protect ownership of what they build. The session focuses on where founders lose IP rights early, for example by posting progress publicly, demoing before protection is in place, or pitching too soon, and how to close those gaps. The chat is followed by audience questions, so bring your own.
Topics covered
- Why a working AI product is not automatically defensible
- Common ways founders give up IP early
- What patent examiners look for, and why "patent pending" protects less than many founders assume
- Checking for existing patents that could block a launch
- What investors check in a startup's IP before investing
- Low cost ways to protect IP early
Speaker
Kathryn Vatt is a former U.S. Patent Examiner with nearly 30 years of experience reviewing patent applications. She founded moatly and VATT IP Management and serves as Chapter Director of the Founder Institute IP Accelerator.
Who should attend
AI and tech founders, technical founders, and founders preparing for demo days or investor pitches who want investor ready IP protection on a limited budget.
How to join
The event runs online on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM Eastern (5:30 PM to 6:30 PM Pacific). RSVP on the Meetup event page or through Founder Institute to receive the join link.